Sages Ravine Campsite

- Mt Washington, MA 01258

For Massachusetts residents seeking a truly authentic backcountry experience, Sages Ravine Campsite represents one of the most cherished and ecologically significant destinations along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in the Commonwealth. Nestled in the southwestern corner of the state, right on the border with Connecticut, this location is not a drive-up campground with RV hookups. Instead, it is a primitive, hike-in campsite designed for backpackers and serious hikers, offering a rugged yet sublime escape into the natural world of the Taconic Range.

The campsite takes its name from the magnificent Sages Ravine, a mile-long gorge where the brook tumbles down a steep, forested slope, creating a series of beautiful cascades, small waterfalls, and rock-rimmed pools. The site itself is situated at the top of this ravine and is a favorite overnight stop for both thru-hikers and weekend backpackers exploring the Massachusetts section of the A.T. Managed by dedicated conservation groups in cooperation with the state, Sages Ravine Campsite ensures that visitors can enjoy its natural beauty while adhering to Leave No Trace principles, which are critical in this highly-visited and fragile ecosystem. The atmosphere is quiet, serene, and remote, providing a profound sense of wilderness that is easily accessible to adventurers across Massachusetts.

Sages Ravine Campsite is a landmark on the Appalachian Trail near the town of Mount Washington, MA, 01258, USA. Its precise location is near the southern terminus of the A.T. in Massachusetts, immediately north of the Connecticut state line.

Access to Sages Ravine is exclusively by foot, as is typical for A.T. campsites. This location is part of the Mount Everett State Reservation and is surrounded by State Forest lands. While the campground’s address is in Mount Washington, MA, it is often reached via a trailhead that can be approached from different directions, making it a flexible destination for multi-day trips.

A common and more direct access point is via the AMC AT Connector Trailhead, often found on East Street/Mt. Washington Road (though travelers should check current parking regulations, as the road access from the Connecticut side may be seasonally closed). From a typical starting point like the Undermountain Trailhead in Salisbury, CT (Route 41), or a trailhead off Mt. Washington Road, the hike involves a challenging but rewarding trek over varied terrain, including the steep ascent/descent of Bear Mountain, before reaching the ravine and the campsite. For Massachusetts hikers, this location serves as a perfect base camp for exploring iconic nearby peaks such as Race Mountain and Mount Everett, making it a critical component of any Western Massachusetts backpacking itinerary. Due to its proximity to the state border, it is an ideal location for locals looking for a challenging overnight or section hike without having to drive far out of New England.

As a primitive, backcountry campsite on a national scenic trail, Sages Ravine offers limited but crucial services designed to support a low-impact hiking and camping experience. Campers must be fully self-sufficient with food, cooking gear, and sleeping systems.

• Designated Tent Platforms and Sites: Camping is restricted to clearly marked, designated tent platforms and ground sites to protect the surrounding vegetation and minimize impact on the highly-visited area. There are approximately 12 platforms and additional ground space available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Moldering Privy: The campsite provides a composting or 'moldering' privy (outdoor toilet) to help manage human waste and maintain sanitary conditions, a standard feature at A.T. shelters and major campsites.
• Water Source Access: The primary and most reliable water source is Sages Ravine Brook itself, which runs alongside the campsite. The presence of the running brook is a significant advantage, though all water must be treated or filtered before consumption to ensure safety. Some sources also mention a spring near the site.
• Bear Boxes (Food Storage): Essential for safe camping in the Berkshires, the site is equipped with large, lockable bear boxes (metal storage containers) for the secure storage of all food, scented items, and trash, protecting both campers and local wildlife.
• Community Group Site: The campsite often includes a dedicated group site with its own bear box, though groups of six or more must typically register with the AMC-Western Massachusetts Chapter ahead of their trip.

Sages Ravine is celebrated not just for its utility as a camping spot, but for the stunning natural features that make it a truly memorable Massachusetts wilderness experience.

• Spectacular Waterfalls and Cascades: The defining feature is the ravine itself, where Sages Ravine Brook carves its way down the gorge. Hikers are treated to a mesmerizing series of waterfalls, cascades, and natural rock pools that create a serene and dramatic setting. This area is often described as feeling remote and "Jurassic Park-like" due to the lush, mossy, and green environment.
• Appalachian Trail Access: The campsite is directly on the A.T. northbound route as it enters Massachusetts. This makes it a perfect hub for accessing some of the most scenic day-hikes in the region, including the challenging ascents to Race Mountain and Mount Everett, both known for their breathtaking open vistas.
• Swimming Holes: During the warmer summer months, the rock-rimmed pools in the ravine offer inviting spots for a quick, cold soak or to simply cool off and rest tired legs after a long day of hiking.
• Quiet, Primitive Camping: The site maintains a strict backcountry feel with no fires permitted, which helps preserve the area and promotes a focus on low-impact, peaceful wilderness immersion. The spread-out tent platforms also offer a degree of privacy uncommon in some A.T. sites.
• Taconic Range Scenery: Located in the Taconic Mountains, the site is surrounded by dark, dense forest and steep slopes, offering a dramatic backdrop for an overnight stay. The area is known for its biodiversity and tranquility, being significantly less crowded than trail sections closer to Boston.

Sages Ravine Campsite is a federally and state-managed resource, and as such, it does not have a direct office or customer service line. All contact and management inquiries are typically routed through the managing organization for the local section of the Appalachian Trail.

Address: The geographical location of the campsite is generally within the vicinity of: Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA

Phone: There is no direct phone number for the campsite. For specific information regarding trail conditions, group registration (for groups of 6+), or regulations in this section of the A.T., Massachusetts locals should contact the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Western Massachusetts Chapter or the Mount Everett State Reservation office during business hours.

For Massachusetts residents with a passion for backpacking and wilderness exploration, Sages Ravine Campsite is an indispensable destination. It offers a unique combination of accessibility and genuine remoteness. While easily reached from most points in the state, the feeling of immersion once you descend into the ravine is profound. This is where you escape the traffic and crowds and reconnect with the raw, untamed landscape of Western Massachusetts.

The site is perfect for introductory overnight trips for families and seasoned hikers alike, providing reliable and essential backcountry infrastructure—designated platforms, bear boxes, and a reliable water source—that ensures a safe and responsible experience. Furthermore, its location at the doorstep of Race Mountain and Mount Everett makes it an ideal launching pad for experiencing the most spectacular mountain vistas the southern A.T. in Massachusetts has to offer. By choosing Sages Ravine, you are selecting an affordable, authentic, and essential Massachusetts wilderness experience, fully embracing the state's storied hiking heritage and the wild beauty of the Berkshires.

Sages Ravine Campsite

Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA